Subaru pulls out of 2009 World Rally Championship

Subaru and rally competition have been synonymous for nearly 20 years, but in a surprising move, the company said on Tuesday that it is pulling out of the 2009 World Rally Championship in response to the global economic crisis.

The Prodrive-run Subaru team has won six WRC titles--three manufacturer's and three driver's--and built up a strong following around the world. In turn, rally success has helped Subaru sell sporty cars and burnish its image with enthusiasts, in the process making the blue Impreza rally car an icon.

The announcement came from Subaru's parent company, Fuji Heavy Industries, which said it had met its objectives for WRC competition.

Prodrive said it will prepare to re-enter competition in 2010 with a new team, as new technical regulations are introduced.

"Subaru's departure from the World Rally Championship is a great loss as it is one of the sport's icons," Prodrive chairman Dave Richards said in a statement.

"The Subaru World Rally Team has created true champions, such as Colin McRae and Richard Burns, and its absence will be felt by many the world over. Although this decision closes a significant chapter in Prodrive's history, our focus now turns to the future."

On Monday, Suzuki said it would withdraw from the WRC. The departures leave the series without a Japanese automaker.

The news sends another chill through the racing world following word that Honda is pulling out of Formula One competition and Audi is leaving the American Le Mans Series.

Source autoweek